A selection of readers’ opinions.

Speaking up

It is great that the prime minister has spoken up about lynching but actions speak louder than words (“The Daily Fix: Much is being made of Modi breaking his silence on lynchings but words aren’t enough”). Modi needs to ensure that chief ministers of various states rein in cow vigilantes. He should also understand that when a member of his council of ministers goes to village of a person accused of lynching Mohammad Akhlaq (who died in police custody) the government’s intentions come under doubt. – KB Dessai

Not in my name

I am a proud Hindu but am totally against the Hindutva being propagated now (“Not In My Name: I refuse to cede Hinduism to those who want to make India a Hindu rashtra”). What is being propounded now is not the the Hinduism of Swami Vivekananda, Shankaracharya or the Sanatan Dharma, all of which predate the Sangh Parivar. Such organisations shouldn’t even take the names of Hindu gods – it is an insult to the gods we respect and adore. For instance, Hanuman was the epitome of gentlemanliness and was devoted to Rama. So, what makes the Bajrang Dal eligible to take his name? – Kavita Raja

***

About 99.99 % Hindus in this country believe in peaceful co -existence. Being tolerant is in the blood of Hindus.The highly unfortunate lynching happened over a seat-sharing row. The criminals should be punished. But I am disgusted by the campaign by Leftists and so-called liberals to vitiate the atmosphere of the country and give a bad name to the BJP government. The same people are silent when communists kill Hindus in Kerala. Scroll.in is a platform for anti-India propaganda. – Ishwar Singh

***

While incidents like Junaid’s murder at the hands of a mob are highly deplorable; some so-called secularists are giving them a communal tinge and find in this incident an opportunity to malign the Modi government. They are also trying to tarnish the image of Indian government by staging demonstration in Indian cities and abroad. Right-thinking people should not be swayed by such elements. – Avinash Pradhan

***

Why is such protest limited to just a particular community? Where were thesse voices during the 26/11 Mumbai blasts or attacks in Bengaluru, Calcutta, Delhi, etc blasts one community? Where were you when the Marad massacre happened in Kerala, or when Kashmiri Pandits butchered or driven out of Kashmir? Can’t you feel bad for the minorities in Pakistan and Bangladesh? – Krishna

***

This is a great article and Sunita Viswanath’s views are profound and logical. India has been gifted by rich cultures and a multitude of religions that have thrived over centuries. It should stay that way, because that diversity is a great strength for the country and its inhabitants.

Forcing one’s beliefs on others is totally unproductive, immoral and against the very principles of a great religion. I am a Muslim who has lived with Hindus as neighbours and have shared meals with them. Religion never got entangled with our relationships.

Politicians and religious leaders need to fix the situation in the country today, as violence begets more violence. – Ahmed

Aryan debate

Shoaib Daniyal misstates and misrepresents more in this article than can be addressed in one email, but the idea that the Hindutva opposition to the Aryan Migration Theory comes from “blood” is flatly false, and even a cursory reading of the rebuttals to Tony Joseph’s article can prove this (“Blood nationalism: Why does Hindutva perceive a mortal danger from the Aryan Migration Theory?”). The Aryan Migration Theory opposition is not about blood but about culture. It is about the fact that Indian culture and Hinduism is a product of the syncretic synthesis between what geneticists call the ancestral North Indians and ancestral South Indians, each of whose presence in the subcontinent significantly predates the date advanced by Aryan Migration Theory proponents. (Indeed, many of the scientists who advocate the Theory also advocate the idea that Dravidians came to India from the Elamite civilization in Iran!) The Aryan Migration Theory proponents gloss over this syncretic origin of Indian culture and Hinduism in an attempt to cast Hindu or Vedic culture as one forced upon conquered natives by invading Aryans, when even the most pro-Aryan Mkigration Theory genetic and archaeological evidence shows no support for this.

None of the three rebuttals referenced by Daniyal even remotely suggests that Indian Muslims and Christians differ by “blood”. Indeed, most Hindutvavadis would claim that Indian Muslims and Christians were once Hindus or Buddhists and were forced to convert to their present-day religion. The dispute centers around which culture is native or foreign. The Hindutva crowd’s dispute is less with the raw genetic evidence than the much less supportable conclusions drawn from it about culture and religion. – Sanjeev S

***

No doubt, waves of migration took place even before the arrival of Aryans from Central Asia. Indians are a mix of many races and regions – whether people accept it or not, genetics reveals the facts. As far as religion is concerned, Hinduism as it exists today in evolved in the Indian sub-continent, with inputs from those who were here prior to Aryan migration. Hinduism has nothing to do with race. – Veer Raju Ayilavarapu

***

I had read Tony Joseph’s article in the Hindu in detail. It was logical and well reasoned but could be seen as a radical and unsettling for many as it distorts their core beliefs. As science and research progress, one needs to keep an open mind and form opinions based on peer reviewed facts, even if this upsets their long-held views or beliefs. – Stephen Abraham

***

This is yet another attempt by Scroll.in to write something that will give Hindutva a bad name. True, India had been invaded and occupied by many civilisations, but that doesn’t mean that the world’s oldest religion did not originate from here. This, in fact, has been proven and documented by many researchers. – Rohit Pant

Passport move

A majority of Indians do not know Hindu and this move is unnecessary (“Passports will now be issued in both Hindi and English, says Sushma Swaraj”). If another language must be included, then it should be the mother tongue of the passport holder, or the regional language of the state in which they are. Even the airport staff of a non-Hindi speaking state won’t be able to read the Hindi passports. – S Chandhramouli

***

Can I demand that my passport should be issued in Bengali? Why should Hindi be imposed on me? – Amitabha Sarkar

Banks’ burden

The bad loans problem is alarming and drastic steps need to be taken to reverse this trend (“The solution for India’s Rs 1,00,00,00,00,00,000 bad loan problem is still nowhere in sight”). India finds itself in the same position as early 1991, when non-performing assets of banks were hovering between 20% and 25%. The populist measures taken recently by some of the state governments to waive off farmers’ loans will create further problems and spoil the very fundamental concept of banking. The position of the bank branch functionaries is pitiable as their efforts to recover NPAs are in vain due to politically motivated decisions.

I feel it is the high time the government and the Reserve Bank of India make sincere attempts to pass an Act barring state governments from intervening in commercial banking operations. Let them continue to serve on the lines and principles of banking. The judicial process of very large corporate NPAs needs to be tackled as a time bound strategy. The cases of willful defaulters must be tackled in harsh manner. – Kanhaiya Singh

Spoiler alert

This is a well-written article but I differ on one ground (“Why the Bengali films of Nandita Roy and Shiboprosad Mukherjee are always on the money”). I haven’t seen Posto but I have seen Praaktan and I believe the film does not condemn a working woman for being ambitious. It shows that she has the strength to come out of an abusive marriage and be happy again! The co-director is herself a successful working woman with a family and I honestly hope she did not intend to vilify an independent working woman. The way I see it, the wife’s decision to walk out made the husband realise where he had gone wrong and he changes remarkably. The woman does not need to change as she was not in the wrong. She finds a partner who is supportive, understanding and loving. The man’s second wife also understands the first wife’s influence on her husband and even sadness crosses her face and when she realises who her co-passenger is, she ultimately thanks her profusely for giving her the best gift of all, her husband. – Ishani

Ten awesome TV shows to get over your post-GoT blues

With those withdrawal symptoms kicking in, all you need is a good rebound show.

Hangovers tend to have a debilitating effect on various human faculties, but a timely cure can ease that hollow feeling generally felt in the pit of the stomach. The Game of Thrones Season 7 finale has left us with that similar empty feeling, worsened by an official statement on the 16-month-long wait to witness The Great War. That indeed is a long time away from our friends Dany, Jon, Queen C and even sweet, sweet Podrick. While nothing can quite replace the frosty thrill of Game of Thrones, here’s a list of awesome shows, several having won multiple Emmy awards, that are sure to vanquish those nasty withdrawal symptoms:

1. Billions

There is no better setting for high stakes white collar crime than the Big Apple. And featuring a suited-up Paul Giamatti going head-to-head with the rich and ruthless Damien Lewis in New York, what’s not to like? Only two seasons young, this ShowTime original series promises a wolf-of-wall-street style showcase of power, corruption and untold riches. Billions is a great high-octane drama option if you want to keep the momentum going post GoT.

2. Westworld

What do you get when the makers of the Dark Knight Trilogy and the studio behind Game of Thrones collaborate to remake a Michael Crichton classic? Westworld brings together two worlds: an imagined future and the old American West, with cowboys, gun slingers - the works. This sci-fi series manages to hold on to a dark secret by wrapping it with the excitement and adventure of the wild west. Once the plot is unwrapped, the secret reveals itself as a genius interpretation of human nature and what it means to be human. Regardless of what headspace you’re in, this Emmy-nominated series will absorb you in its expansive and futuristic world. If you don’t find all of the above compelling enough, you may want to watch Westworld simply because George RR Martin himself recommends it! Westworld will return for season 2 in the spring of 2018.

3. Big Little Lies

It’s a distinct possibility that your first impressions of this show, whether you form those from the trailer or opening sequence, will make you think this is just another sun-kissed and glossy Californian drama. Until, the dark theme of BLL descends like an eerie mist, that is. With the serious acting chops of Reese Witherspoon and Nicole Kidman as leads, this murder mystery is one of a kind. Adapted from author Liane Moriarty’s book, this female-led show has received accolades for shattering the one-dimensional portrayal of women on TV. Despite the stellar star cast, this Emmy-nominated show wasn’t easy to make. You should watch Big Little Lies if only for Reese Witherspoon’s long struggle to get it off the ground.

4. The Night of

The Night Of is one of the few crime dramas featuring South Asians without resorting to tired stereotypes. It’s the kind of show that will keep you in its grip with its mysterious plotline, have you rooting for its characters and leave you devastated and furious. While the narrative revolves around a murder and the mystery that surrounds it, its undertones raises questions on racial, class and courtroom politics. If you’re a fan of True Detective or Law & Order and are looking for something serious and thoughtful, look no further than this series of critical acclaim.

5. American Horror Story

As the name suggests, AHS is a horror anthology for those who can stomach some gore and more. In its 6 seasons, the show has covered a wide range of horror settings like a murder house, freak shows, asylums etc. and the latest season is set to explore cults. Fans of Sarah Paulson and Jessica Lange are in for a treat, as are Lady Gaga’s fans. If you pride yourself on not being weak of the heart, give American Horror Story a try.

6. Empire

At its heart, Empire is a simple show about a family business. It just so happens that this family business is a bit different from the sort you are probably accustomed to, because this business entails running a record label, managing artistes and when push comes to shove, dealing with rivals in a permanent sort of manner. Empire treads some unique ground as a fairly violent show that also happens to be a musical. Lead actors Taraji P Henson and Terrence Howard certainly make it worth your while to visit this universe, but it’s the constantly evolving interpersonal relations and bevy of cameo appearances that’ll make you stay. If you’re a fan of hip hop, you’ll enjoy a peek into the world that makes it happen. Hey, even if you aren’t one, you might just grow fond of rap and hip hop.

7. Modern Family

When everything else fails, it’s comforting to know that the family will always be there to lift your spirits and keep you chuckling. And by the family we mean the Dunphys, Pritchetts and Tuckers, obviously. Modern Family portrays the hues of familial bonds with an honesty that most family shows would gloss over. Eight seasons in, the show’s characters like Gloria and Phil Dunphy have taken on legendary proportions in their fans’ minds as they navigate their relationships with relentless bumbling humour. If you’re tired of irritating one-liners or shows that try too hard, a Modern Family marathon is in order. This multiple-Emmy-winning sitcom is worth revisiting, especially since the brand new season 9 premiers on 28th September 2017.

8. The Deuce

Headlined by James Franco and Maggi Gyllenhaal, The Deuce is not just about the dazzle of the 1970s, with the hippest New York crowd dancing to disco in gloriously flamboyant outfits. What it IS about is the city’s nooks and crannies that contain its underbelly thriving on a drug epidemic. The series portrays the harsh reality of New York city in the 70s following the legalisation of the porn industry intertwined with the turbulence caused by mob violence. You’ll be hooked if you are a fan of The Wire and American Hustle, but keep in mind it’s grimmer and grittier. The Deuce offers a turbulent ride which will leave you wanting more.

9. Dexter

In case you’re feeling vengeful, you can always get the spite out of your system vicariously by watching Dexter, our favourite serial killer. This vigilante killer doesn’t hide behind a mask or a costume, but sneaks around like a criminal, targeting the bad guys that have slipped through the justice system. From its premier in 2006 to its series finale in 2013, the Emmy-nominated Michael C Hall, as Dexter, has kept fans in awe of the scientific precision in which he conducts his kills. For those who haven’t seen the show, the opening credits give an accurate glimpse of how captivating the next 45 minutes will be. If it’s been a while since you watched in awe as the opening credits rolled, maybe you should revisit the world’s most loved psychopath for nostalgia’s sake.

Available starting October

10. Rome

If you’re still craving an epic drama with extensive settings and a grandiose plot and sub-plots, Rome, co-produced by HBO and BBC, is where your search stops. Rome is a historical drama that takes you through an overwhelming journey of Ancient Rome’s transition from a republic to an empire. And when it comes to tastes, this series provides the similar full-bodied flavour that you’ve grown to love about Game of Thrones. There’s a lot to take away for those who grew up quoting Julius Caesar, and for those looking for a realistic depiction of the legendary gladiators. If you’re a history buff, give this Emmy-winning show a try.

For your next obsession, Hotstar Premium has you covered with its wide collection of the most watched shows in the world. Apart from the ones we’ve recommended, Indian viewers can now easily watch other universally loved shows such as Silicon Valley and Prison Break, and movies including all titles from the Marvel and Disney universe. So take control of your life again post the Game of Thrones gloom and sign up for the Hotstar Premium membership here.

This article was produced by the Scroll marketing team on behalf of Hotstar and not by the Scroll editorial team.